JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars defensive back Andre Cisco is coming off a season where he recorded a career-high four interceptions, and at just 24 years old, expectations are high for him to continue progressing.
Good news for Cisco is that this offseason, the Jaguars' front office has been proactive in resigning homegrown talent to long-term deals. And as the Jaguars' 2021 third-round pick, he looks to be the next addition to that group.
"I think this year is the mindset for me," Cisco said. "I'm going into a contract year, so I'm not looking down the line. It's now or never. We'll reassess if that's the case next year. But right now, it's now or never."
Cisco is entering his fourth year in the NFL, but with the lack of experience in the Jaguars' secondary, he has quickly had to embrace his role as a leader.
"I have different aspects of my personality that can help this team just within the meeting room, in the locker room, and on the field," he said. "So, I'm embracing that, and that really starts by setting the example. It's not really about words and saying the right thing all the time. But just setting an example, so I'm working on that."
During the offseason, Cisco took a moment away from the game to host his first annual youth football camp in his hometown of Valley Stream, New York. He also traveled to Zimbabwe for his first mission trip.
"You go into some of these huts and places these people live, in the villages, you say, 'Oh man, I'm so glad for what I have. They have so little,'" he said. "But for me, it was more about seeing them not have much but still smile. It just kind of reminds you that if I lost everything today, there's a reason to smile. So, it was a very heartwarming experience, and I also went with some of the guys on the team, so we grew a lot."
Cisco knows the stakes are high this season but says as long as he stays healthy, he’ll be able to do what needs to get done.